Traditional leaders with MDC-T links fired, denied govt allowances

MARONDERA - TRADITIONAL leaders suspected of having links with MDC-T were recently denied their monthly allowances by Zanu (PF) officials.

Two Headmen Peter Tembedza and Mark Gwatidzo from ward 20 under Chief Svosve in Marondera East were told by the pay officer, one Zvoushe of the district administrator's office, that they were not entitled to their monthly $25 allowance as they had been stripped of their positions.

"I cannot pay you since your chief, Rinosi Masangomayi, relieved you of your roles as headmen soon after the July 2013 elections," said Zvoushe at Nhowe Business Centre on October 22, 2014.

The headmen had continued to receive the allowances since July last year as the district administrator, James Chiwaru, said he was not aware of the dismissals.

"No traditional leader can be dismissed for whatever reason without my knowledge," said Chiwaru, promising to investigate the issue.

According to some villagers the dismissals were politically motivated and at the instigation of Masangomayi and Zanu (PF) ward 20 chairperson, Shepherd Zenda.

Dominic, son to Tembedza, contested the last elections as MDC candidate for Marondera East, "We are taking our cases to the relevant offices for an explanation," said Tembedza.

In 2007 Masvingo traditional leaders Chief Ziki of Bikita and Chiefs Masivamele and Sengwe from Chiredzi's had their allowances withdrawn for sympathising with Morgan Tsvangirai.